Brighton have a track record of finding the best young players in the world, and Yankuba Minteh might be the next big name that they develop into a superstar and sell for a massive profit. The Gambian right winger is already a regular starter for the club at age 21, and is already among the top assist players in the Premier League this season with 4 assists. It looks like only a matter of time before one of the big European clubs come forward and put in a huge bid for him. Let us now look back at the beginning of his career and what the future holds for him.
Humble beginnings
Yankuba Minteh began his professional football career at Gambian club Steve Biko during the 2021–22 GFA League First Division season. He was previously part of local club Bakoteh United. The Gambian winger only played a single season at Steve Biko, with the club finishing 3rd in the league that campaign.
Bakary Bojang was the agent of Minteh during this period, who suggested Danish club OB to have a look at Minteh and a fellow Gambian, Dawda Darboe. Thus, a trial was conducted in the summer of 2021. Surprisingly, Minteh didn't impress the club members in his first trial, but as destiny would have it, the club gave him another trial and this time he managed to impress them. Later in the Summer of 2022, Minteh signed a 2 year deal with OB. He initially signed for their U19-team, but he went on to sign for their first-team the very same year due to his rapid progress. Minteh went on to have a dream debut for the club on 10th September 2022, as he came from the bench and scored within 3 minutes to help his side earn a 2-1 victory against Copenhagen.
Newcastle come calling
Minteh spent only a season at OB, as his impressive performances caught the eye of Newcastle. The Magpies paid a €7 million transfer fee to OB and announced his signing on 12th June 2023. However, it was also decided that the player would be immediately loaned out to Eredivisie champions Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season.
Minteh's time at Feyenoord was a mixed one, as he wasn't able to showcase the full extent of his talent due to injury issues. Nonetheless, he still managed to score 10 goals in just 27 appearances for the club. Additionally, he won his first ever major title with the club, as Feyenoord won the 2023–24 KNVB Cup.
Brighton's gain and Newcastle's loss
On 1st of July 2024, Brighton announced the signing of Minteh for a fee of £30 million. At the time, it looked like a transfer masterstroke from Newcastle who ended up getting such a huge amount for a player who didn't make a single appearance for them.
Minteh's debut season at Brighton was a decent one, as he kept showing his talent with each passing game. His highlight of the 2024-25 Premier League season was against Chelsea, as the Gambian winger scored a brace in Brighton's 3-0 victory over the Blues. Fast forward to the present, Minteh has now managed to establish himself as a regular starter for the club, and he's been progressing rapidly with Brighton.
It looks almost certain that he would end up being bought by a top club in the next Summer Transfer window of 2026. Sadly for Newcastle, what looked like a smart transfer move is now being seen as a huge mistake that they'll forever regret. To make matters worse, their £55 million winger signing Anthony Elanga has been a huge flop so far.
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